African Rock Python

Appearance

The African rock python is one of the world’s largest snakes; reaching lengths 6 metres or more.

Upper and lower jaw bones are not attached so they are able to open these incredibly wide.

They have no breastbone so can expand their ribs allowing them to swallow food sources much larger than themselves.

Pythons are ‘constrictors’ which mean they hold their prey with their teeth and then constrict them until they are unable to breathe and their heart then stops. They then proceed to swallow the prey head-first, whole.

Lifecycle

Oviparous; female African rock pythons lay up to 100 eggs.

Incubation period is between 2 and 3 months.

Hatchlings between 50 and 60cms in length.

Hatchlings have the same colour as adults, although they are more vibrant.